The Resident Review: Heart in a Box (Season 2 Episode 8)
The Resident Season 2 Episode 8, “Heart in a Box,” is the perfect title for this episode. When you put anything else in a box, you are storing it away. But a literal heart in a box is exposed and vulnerable — just like nearly every character on this episode is. Everyone’s hearts are literally on their sleeves, whether they like it or not.
I gravitate toward more human, less contrived storylines. So for that reason, I have to start with Mina.
My gosh, poor Mina! Her sisters’ deaths and the responsibility she feels for them explain her character perfectly — why she is a surgeon, of course, but also why she is who she is. Tough, focused, unemotional. It also explains why she’s with who she’s with.
Mina is just not the type to fall for a patient, she’s just… not. I was frustrated with the show for telling us otherwise when it feels so wrong. But her revelation makes me realize she’s not in love with Micah. She does care for him, and she may think she’s in love. But knowing her history makes me think she just got to a point of caring too much, and now she can’t let him die. It all makes sense.
On TV, there’s a thin line between retcon and new information about a character. But The Resident is young, technically not even one full season by most network standards. At this stage in its “lifespan,” especially when supported by a characters’ previous behavior, new information like this enriches the overall narrative. It doesn’t feel contrived.
The fact that she tells AJ just confirms that he’s the relationship Mina is moving foward with, in case anyone is unsure. When I first got these hints, on The Resident Season 2 Episode 3, “Three Words,” I was on board for it. But I admit it needed more depth. Little moments like Mina’s add that depth.
AJ tells Nic he’s prepared for the long game when it comes to Mina, so we may have to wait a long time before they get together. The rarest type of ship hookup is one that’s both inevitable and sudden. I can only name one of those off the top of my head. But I prefer inevitable to sudden if forced to choose. Plus, good writing doesn’t even feel like it drags for invested viewers.
Speaking of AJ and Nic, that scene is one of my favorites on the episode. It tells viewers a lot about AJ. He reminds me of Mina, so it’s good to know that unlike her, he has a deep capacity to love and not just care.
Let’s get back to the idea of sudden ships. Because, even though her purpose is telegraphed from her very first scene, Julian and Devon are perhaps the worst type of ship possible. Sudden, yet also contrived.
Devon’s heart is on his sleeve, even as he’s taking a punch to the face. This is clear at the end of the episode when he tells Priya that he loves being a doctor, despite his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
The kiss between Devon and Julian is necessary if only to trigger Devon’s confusion. But as the story goes on, I’m starting to feel less chemistry between them, not more.
Devon is not going to get married. But I will be disappointed in The Resident if it tells viewers it’s for any other reason than the fact that he wants to be a doctor more than he wants to be with Priya.
Let me be clear: Devon might also have feelings for Julian, but if that relationship is the cause for the “weddingis interruptis” I sadly think is planned, I will be disappointed.
As for Julian, I’m enjoying her individual journey. As sad and frustrating as it is that Henry is now vulnerable to the Quovadis device dysfunction that is probably inevitable, it’s a genius plan.
I said that I wanted more Zoey and Henry in my review of The Resident Season 2 Episode 5, “The Germ.” I didn’t see the potential for them to come back after Jasper’s death, but I’m glad the writers found a way to bring them back in.
We viewers are going to be frustrated beyond belief when something happens to Henry, and I’m pretty sure that VNS device will malfunction. But there’s no denying it’s good TV, and one of the reasons is that it connects two (maybe three… but that’s for another time) big storylines together.
Shows should feel like they are building toward a bigger picture that we will get to see most clearly in the finale. For that reason, The Resident is going in the right direction.
Doctor’s Notes:
- I purposefully didn’t get into Randolph and Lane’s storyline. I honestly don’t remember how much responsibility Randolph has in the cover-up, and I think telling viewers he’s in love with Lane is pretty ridiculous. I have since the premiere. I wish they’d reminded viewers at least of Randolph’s involvement before Lane came back. It’s been a while.
- I’m intrigued by Nic’s role on this episode. She’s clearly everyone’s support, but she’s also contemplating something about love. I can’t quite put my finger on what yet.
- Speaking of love: I love that CoNic are in such a good, comfortable place. But there’s something about it I don’t trust. And that distrust makes me sad. Relationship stories can be told when couples are in a good place. But it’s very rare this actually happens on a show. I don’t even have an example to give, but it’s probably somewhere on Parenthood.
- Even though I also don’t think the happy relationship stories necessarily have to do with pregnancy, this episode makes me want to see Conrad as a dad so badly.
What did you think of this episode of The Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Resident airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.